Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have a big impact on your appearance. Tooth loss can happen for a variety of reasons ranging from dental decay to injury to illness. If you are missing a tooth, you are not alone. In fact, in the US over 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and 36 million are missing all of their teeth. The good news is that there are a variety of tooth replacement options to choose from if you are missing teeth. One option that works well if you are missing a few but not all of your teeth is dental bridges. Here are three things that you should know about dental bridges.

Your Options

The first thing that you should be aware of is that you have various options to choose from. There are four main types of dental bridges to choose from. Traditional bridges are held in place by dental crowns and are a popular option. Maryland bridges are similar to traditional bridges but instead of being held in place by crowns, they are held in place by framework. Cantilever bridges are held in place by only one dental crown. Another option for dental bridges are implant-supported bridges which are held in place by dental implants.

The Cost

Another thing to consider when it comes to dental bridges is the cost. Costs vary depending on the type of bridge and how many replacement teeth are needed in the bridge. On average you can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 per unit for both traditional bridges and cantilever bridges. Maryland bridges cost on average between $250 and $550 per wing and between $600 and $1,200 for each false tooth. Implant-supported bridges are the most expensive option costing between $3,500 and $30,000.

How Long They Last

Dental bridges will typically last for many years with proper care and maintenance. How long your bridge lasts will of course depend on how well you care for it. The type of bridge you have will also play a role in its lifespan. Most bridges will last somewhere between five and 15 years before replacement is needed. It's important to keep lifespan in mind when choosing which type of dental bridge will work best for your needs.

If you are missing teeth, dental bridges are one of the most popular tooth replacement options. However, there are a few things that you should be aware of when it comes to bridges. First, there's more than one type of bridge to choose from. Costs vary depending on the type of bridge you decide on. How long it lasts will also vary, but most bridges last for at least a few years.